Who is Akon

Aliaune Thiam, more popularly known as Akon, is a famous Senegalese American Hip Hop singer and songwriter. Akon rose to fame in 2004 following the release of his single "Locked Up" from his debut album Trouble. His second album, Konvicted, earned him a Grammy Award nomination for the single "Smack That". He is the son of jazz percussionist, Mor Thiam. Akon was born in St. Louis, Missouri but he grew up in Senegal until the age of seven. Akon has proved to be a successful singer and has delivered some of the best numbers. Don't matter by Akon is one of his latest famous songs that has already reached the zenith of popularity. After moving out from Senegal, Akon settled in New Jersey where he got the name, fame and also managed to face penalty for breaking the law. Akon was charged and had to go to the prison for armed robbery of automobiles and drug distribution. He made good use of his time in prison by working on his music. After he was released from prison, he wrote many music tracks and songs working from his home.

Akon's first album that was released was Trouble in 2004. This album proved to be a fine blend of the West African style vocals, combined with southern beats and east coast beats as well. Until date, Akon has produced about fifty songs to his credit. It spawned the hit singles "Locked Up" and "Lonely," as well as "Belly Dancer (Bananza)," "Pot Of Gold," and "Ghetto". Akon served a three-year jail sentence for grand theft auto, an experience that inspired his "Locked Up". Akon released his second album Konvicted which was released on November 14, 2006. Konvicted included collaborations with Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Styles P. Late August 2006, Akon released the single "Smack That" featuring Eminem, from the album. This single peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks.

Akon's pleasing voice, both singing and rapping, in Don't Matter by Akon, is showcased over a laidback groove. Lyrically the words of Don't Matter by Akon speak of defiance, and committed love in the face of disapproval helps to strike a chord with many pop fans. Don't Matter by Akon helps fans to stick with the song all the way through and rewards them with a percussive party section at the end that puts a smile on their face and even makes them shake a leg. Don't Matter by Akon is likely to help maintain Akon's string of weeks with 2 singles in the pop top 10. Don't Matter by Akon is assured of joining "The Sweet Escape" (continued bellow)

"The Sweet Escape" making Akon's sweet tenor continue to seem ubiquitous on pop radio.

Akon has proved to be one of the most loved pop singers who has received immense popularity within a very short span of time. The success of the song "Locked Up" raised Akon's profile, and he followed up in the fall of 2006 with Konvicted. Soon enough, two of the album's singles, "I Wanna Love You" and "Smack That," had made their way to the upper regions of the Billboard charts. In addition, with the release of the latest Don't Matter by Akon, it seems that Akon is out there to rule the charts as well as the hearts of his fans.

About the Author
Tom Janison is a music fanatic. He loves downloading music of all his favorite artists. www.ez-tracks.com is one of his favorites sites forDon't Matter By Akon,Love Songs,free MP3 downloads and online music.

What was I doing when I was 15? In school, playing childhood pranks with friends, cramming up books for examination purposes and in general being a normal 15-year old having fun in the game called life. While another 15 year old somewhere in the world was recording his first song 'Operations of Nature'. Yes, I am talking about the popular artiste Akon who is not only a Senegalese-American hip hop and R&B singer and songwriter but also a record producer. Akon, who has taken the music world by storm with his album 'Konvicted' though that, has in no way diminished the popularity of his other songs and albums, made a strange beginning to his life. The journey of Akon from a regular teenager to an artiste of international fame has a moral for everyone. The most important lesson learned from his life is that talent finds its own way and helps you reach the pinnacle of success sooner or later.

Few people know that Akon is actually the shortest form of his real name that is actually Alioune Badara Thiam. Born to jazz percussionist Mor Thiam, Akon gave no indication of his approaching stardom even as a teenager when he was jailed for armed robbery and drug distribution charges. But the musical family background and the early indications through recording of first song at the age of fifteen laid the path to success. The stint in jail helped to change his approach to life and discover his true calling and it was behind the prison wall that Akon worked on his music. It also inspired his hit single 'Locked Up' that is still on the popularity of many music lovers. The single 'Smack that' from his album 'Konvicted' also earned Akon a Grammy nomination for the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards. Akon has dedicated the album 'Konvicted' to his friend and manager Robert Montanez who was shot dead.

Akon has ventured out into the field of movies and fashion. He is planning to work on a full-length movie called 'Illegal Alien' that is based on some aspects of his life. Akon also launched his clothing line 'Konvict Clothing' that features urban streetwear like denims, hoodies, t-shirts and hats. Aliaune is the upscale version of this clothing line. Akon has truly projected himself as a multi-dimensional artiste with many shades to his personality. However this also brings with it the danger of controversies and it is especially true for an artiste of his stature. Akon has been surrounded by criticisms and controversies from time to time and his

name has done nothing to help matters. Early this year Akon drew a lot of flake from the moral police and advertisers regarding his raunchy dance in a Trinidad club with an under-age girl. True to his nature Akon apologized to the girl and Gwen Stefani, whose tour was also, affected due to this incident, through his newly released song, 'Sorry, Blame It on Me.'

A singer, songwriter, producer who is also into fashion and movies - Akon truly is the epitome of success for many of his fans across the globe.

About the Author
Tom Janison is a music fanatic. He loves downloading music of all his favorite artists. www.ez-tracks.com is one of his favorites sites for free music,Akon,Love Songs,free MP3 downloads and online music.